Data-Safety: Here is how to treat your E-Waste

Before any action is taken on disposing of any computer, laptop, camera, tablet, or electronic device you will want to make sure you wipe its memory clean or reset its setting to a factory restart. This is to guarantee personal or company information is not found within any device before removing it from your assets.

This quick 5-step “how-to” should help you get started on this process:

  1. Back-up the device before any procedure. Transfer your prized data onto an external hard drive or computer for personal or company safekeeping.
  2. Download and install a remote wiping app that will destroy all data in the device and lockout unwanted users. For iPhone users — iCloud has the tools you need. For Android users: Lost Android Seek Droid and Android Device Manager (by Google) are your best bet. * follow the simple install and user instructions.
  3. Clear the internal memory of each device — Most devices have an option to clear everything in your memory cards or onboard hard drives, with a simple click — all gone! A simple search should help you resolve this issue with ease.
  4. Follow the manual factory reset instructions — a device user manual usually explains very well how to do so. In case you no longer have one, a quick internet search of “Device Model + Manual Reset” will provide you with the necessary information needed.
  5. Do not have a stranger or non-trusted person handle your data, files, or documents. Your identity, personal or company, is sensitive information that can be easily sabotaged or taken advantage of by someone who has dubious and unknown intentions.

Transform the broken

Sometimes things get broken, busted, or explode beyond repair. But, before you toss your digital buddy in the trash can, think about where it should really be sent off as its final resting place. A place that can completely shred it to bits to be reused in other projects, and let’s not forget — destroys any data still lingering in them. Programs like Interecycling have a 4 step process to get rid of all your dead tech and data.

  1. Sealed box storage and transportation to the site *with confirmation of arrival!
  2. Death by shredder — all your old tech will be fragmented into tiny bits by a massive grinder and any hazardous materials properly disposed of.
  3. Recycling is done by the separation of plastic, metal, and hazardous materials and sent to processing stations to be made into new products and projects.
  4. Documentation that all materials have gone through the previous steps and are completely destroyed beyond recognition. A certificate with the RGPD rules aligned and photo/video evidence will be granted to ensure that your data has been completely obliterated in all devices sent to them.

So, as the world moves closer to a techy wireless, multiconnected, diverse platform future — why not do more with less? Always remember those 3 R’s next time you notice that obsolete piece of tech in your house or workspace; Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle.

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